Leon Draisaitl's cryptic injury update fuels playoff fears as fans dissect his words, creating some unease in Edmonton, even though no official change to the timeline has been announced.
Sky Sports posted a video interview with Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl, who is in Germany receiving treatment for his injury from well-known sports doctor Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt. Speaking to a reporter who asked about any timeline updates in his injury, Draisaitl noted, “It will definitely take a few weeks. I hope we go far enough so I can help the team again.”
The immediate response was mixed, including a bit of panic from fans.
Some pointed out that he wasn't wearing a brace, a boot, nor did he need crutches. These were all good things. But the fact that he hinted that he might not be back in time for the opening game of the playoffs created some uncomfortable curiosity.
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As per Elliotte Friedman, "I recognize this interview caused about 1,000 heart attacks...but as I understand it, Draisaitl's current timeline has not changed." The Oilers released a statement saying he would miss the remainder of the regular season. They didn't mention the playoffs.
When asked for further clarification, GM Stan Bowman said the statement was not a fabrication, meaning the team expected their superstar back for the playoffs.
As Friedman added, "The expectation right now is he's out until the end of the regular season." Nothing has changed beyond that.
He then noted that the specialist Draisaitl is there to see is the same doctor Auston Matthews visited a year ago.
Some Fans Aren't Buying It
That Draisaitl specifically said, "I hope we go far enough..." has people not buying the messaging coming out of the Oilers organization. They aren't getting specific about the injury, but are insistent that they don't know anything beyond Draisaitl not playing the next 12 games.
The way Draisaitl is phrasing things, should the Oilers lose in four games to their first-round opponent, there's a chance Leon won't be back in time to help. Of course, he didn't come out and explicitly say that, but it's hard not to try and decipher his words and notice they are different than the messaging coming from management.
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